Stuka dive bombers had proven invaluable as a close-support aircraft during the German Army's sweep across Europe. Always protected by overwhelming numbers of friendly fighters, they had not suffered much at the hands of the enemy. However, as the Battle of Britain heated up, the situation changed. Exposed to the assaults of determined RAF fighters, the Stuka suddenly found itself wanting. On the 8th of August, Stukas were committed in a day-long battle against convoy C.W. 8, which was running the Dover straits. Bf 109s provided cover but the RAF committed no less than seven squadrons to the fighting. With that number in the air it was inevitable that some RAF fighters would get in among the Stukas. And when they did, Stuka losses were high.
(NOTE: The object for the Stukas is to disengage from combat. Disengaged Stukas are presumed to go on to bomb the convoy).
